Icy Temps Can Be Dangerous For Pets, Too

This winter, Indianapolis Animal Care and Control has been reminding pet owners about the need to protect their furry friends from the dangerously cold weather gripping central Indiana.

Here are some tips to keep your pets safe:

• During below-freezing temperatures, the best place for your pet is inside. Cats should be kept indoors exclusively and dogs should only be taken out only briefly when nature calls.
   
• If you absolutely must leave pets outdoors for a limited amount of time, provide them with a shelter. It should be dry, clean, and well-insulated (straw works well to trap heat), and it should protect them from the wind and elements. Be sure to check outdoor water bowls and feeding dishes frequently to be sure they haven’t frozen.
   
• Having fur does not necessarily mean that animals are better acclimated to the cold weather than humans. Short-haired breeds, puppies/kittens, elderly pets and pets with certain medical issues can feel the effects of cold weather faster than other dogs and cats. Consider a sweater or coat if your pet seems especially bothered by cold temperatures. 
   
• Pets can get frostbite and hypothermia, just like people. Symptoms for hypothermia in pets involve whining, shivering, anxiety, lethargy or weakness. If any of these symptoms are noted after a pet’s exposure to cold weather, seek veterinary care immediately. Frostbite can be harder to detect, and may not be fully recognized for a few days. By then, the damage has been done. Seek veterinary care immediately if your pet displays any unusual or concerning symptoms.
   
• In Marion County, report any animals left outside in below-freezing temperatures to the Mayor’s Action Center at (317) 327-4MAC. In the event of an after-hours emergency, you can call the police non-emergency number to seek help for a pet left outdoors at (317) 327-3811.
   
• If you need emergency shelter for your pet due to loss of heat, electricity or housing, you may contact Indianapolis Animal Care & Control for up to 10 days of emergency shelter for your pet.